The Responsibility of Moderate Muslims
I'm hearing a rumble in the underbelly. On the internets there are people whom are feeling like it's time to defend Moderate Muslims. The claim is that the Draw Mohammed Day is somehow offensive to the Moderates and about hate rather than about defending our free speech turf. Well, you're wrong, and here's why.
Society for all time has ridiculed groups into behaving well. The KKK wasn't legislated out, it's been marginalized through criticism. You don't hear Christians worrying about the attacks on their brothers do you? The attacks on the scriptural teachings that would promote hate are often waived off by most Christians as not to the core teachings that they would choose. Their textual ignorance aside, right and wrong stand head and shoulders above the water line of hate.
Scientology just a few years ago was gaining steam and able to quash free speech all over the place. After we spoke openly, honestly, and put out what they are teaching, the forward movement has stopped. People have seen how ridiculous and dangerous it really is. It's been marginalized by frank discussions that they sought to prevent.
Muslims have risen up and threatened and murdered over 100 people over drawings of Mohammed. Have the Moderates rallied for peace? Have they chosen to speak of this peace that they proclaim their religion is about? If it's the fringe of Islam that promotes hate, why is it that they don't stand up? Why is it the fringe gets more funding than the middle? Why do the Moderates allow the hanging and murdering of gays and women who have been raped? Honor killings? Terrorism? Etc. The point is, Moderate Islam is either made up of cowards, or they don't exist as a large group. Moderate Muslims need to stand up and let those that hate and oppress know that their behavior is not consistent with peace. You need a leader, if, you do in fact exist as a group. Until then, you will be hit with shrapnel as the rest of us look the terrorists, that scream in your name, in the eye and say, "Fuck you and the Pedophile you rode in on."
There is no reason for Muslims to be offended. I am an American. If you say that America tortures, I'm not offended by your words. I'm offended because what you have said is true. In a free society you are welcome to say what is true. Sometimes your feelings will be hurt. But that does not give you the right to stop that speech or to threaten violence. If you don't like the truth and getting hit with the shrapnel, you must change your society. Ridicule is our most effective non-violent weapon. I stand in declaring my right to depict anyone I want, however I want. If I can't defend that right using a form of speech, what would you like me to defend it with?
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Comment by Dave G on May 20, 2010 at 12:57pm -
When someone claims that drawing Mohammed is offensive and should not be allowed out of respect for the religious feelings of Muslims, I ask them if they are also looking to ban all beef products out of respect for the religious feelings of Hindus.
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Comment by Gaytor on May 20, 2010 at 1:08pm -
Umm.. And how would you like me to credit you with that? 'Cause I'm stealing it.
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Comment by Profound_Raincloud on May 20, 2010 at 6:59pm -
Extremely well put.
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Comment by Profound_Raincloud on May 20, 2010 at 7:00pm
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Awesome comment s well Dave G
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Comment by Shine on May 20, 2010 at 8:47pm -
Great post. And that is a brilliant analogy, Dave.
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Comment by Serotonin Wraith on May 21, 2010 at 4:20am -
It's not enough for them that Allah will punish us soon enough?
It's like boarding a sinking ship to kill some rats. Or for the moderates it's like crying and screaming for a sinking boat of people mocking you to stop.
Doesn't make sense.
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Comment by QM on May 22, 2010 at 2:17am -
Excellent post Gaytor and a perfect analogy by Dave G!
I know that majority of Muslims in Pakistan are always very keen on making fun of Hindus because the reverence they have for cows. They hardly think about others sensibilities.
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Comment by Johnny on June 6, 2010 at 9:58am -
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Comment by Renshia on June 6, 2010 at 2:59pm -
I think there is a general misconception that there are moderate muslims. The moderate seem to only be moderates in that they leave the dirty work to others. They do not denounce the radical because they know that the radicals are following the word of the prophet. This is also why you do not hear the muslim clerics voicing outrage at the catholic church for there abuse scandals. It is so rampant within their religion they can't speak up without showing there hypocrisy.
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